Ruins Of Keramos

The Walls: Not too long ago, the woII could be followed along its entire course. Now only a long section, high up on the rugged mountain in the east, and a part or tne riat ground on the south, can be seen, A portion of the woii was constructed with polygonal i, masonry using grey limestone. Another section was constructed by * using squared masonry of a yellowish pudding-stone. The latter, which constiluted the upper part of the wall has largely disappeared, but the effect of this diversification must have been striking. A number of gates existed. Some were arched while others were squared. The moll was likely completed during the Hellenistic period.

The Temple : Evidence of a temple of Zeus Chrysooreus exists on a dry, stony hill outside the village at a place called Bakicak. There is o ’platform with on ashlar masonry supporting wafl. It bears the foundations of the temple. Extant remains are three large blocks situated at different levels on the side of the hill. Conclusive evidence of the form and order of the temple does not exist. However, a block was found in close proximity to the remains which Is decorated with a double-ax relief. This symbol belonged to Zeus in Caria. Nearby, a marble likeness of a youthful male head was discovered by villagers in 1923. It is of archaic date and belonged to the type known as kouros. It is now in the possession of the museum in Izmir. There is some discussion as to whether or not It depicts the youth shown on ancient coins in the company of Zeus.

The Terrace Wall: This is below the platform on the west. The space between it and the platform is divided into multiple chambers by cross walks. There is a second terrace wall at a lower level. Six large niches with round tops may be seen In the outer face of this wall. A waterpipe runs along the upper terrace wall.

Outsitfe The City: A temple has been found a quarter of a mile to the east of Keramas. It stands at the foot of the mountains. Known as Kurşunlu Kapi, its ruins have been seriously disturbed. Standing on a platform with a supporting wall, it bore a cornice at the top. The entire supporting wall was destroyed quite recently. The temple belonged to the Corinthian order, Its remains indicate that it was on imposing structure. Reliefs depicting a round shield enclosed in a wreaht decorated the walls of the temple. The inscriptions can still be deciphered. There is a diminutive Byzantine church with parts of wail paintings still visible to the south of the city near the Turkish cemetery. Also, although there iş little surviving evidence of it, there is an oquaduct which conducted water to the city from the north.